In a proactive step toward ensuring public health and sanitation during the monsoon season, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched a large-scale campaign titled ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ (SABB). Running from July 1 to 31, 2025, the campaign focuses on drain cleaning and safety measures across cities and towns in India, under the umbrella of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE: CLEAN DRAINS, HEALTHY CITIES
The SABB campaign aims to engage urban local bodies, sanitation workers, and citizens in a concerted effort to clean and maintain urban drains, ensuring they are free from blockages that typically cause waterlogging and disease outbreaks during the rainy season. By combining infrastructure cleaning with citizen awareness, the campaign promotes a holistic approach to urban hygiene and disease prevention.
This effort aligns with the mission of SBM-U 2.0, which seeks to build garbage-free, water-secure, and healthier urban areas by leveraging technology, behavioral change, and community participation. MoHUA has also emphasized that clean drains not only prevent mosquito breeding and waterborne diseases like dengue, malaria, and cholera but also contribute to the smooth functioning of urban infrastructure during monsoon months.
NATIONAL MOVEMENT AND SIX SWACHHATA MANTRAS
Over the years, the campaign has grown into a nationwide movement, with the 2025 edition placing special focus on the six Swachhata Mantras:
- Clean Hands
- Clean Homes
- Clean Neighborhoods
- Clean Toilets
- Clean Drains
- Clean Public Spaces
These mantras serve as the guiding principles of the campaign, reminding citizens that public hygiene begins with personal responsibility and community cooperation.
LOCAL ENGAGEMENT AND SAFETY FOCUS
As part of the campaign, municipalities are conducting safety training for sanitation workers, ensuring that all drain cleaning activities are carried out using protective gear and mechanized tools where possible. Awareness drives, public clean-up events, and school activities have also been rolled out to boost civic participation.
The SABB campaign underscores MoHUA’s commitment to monsoon preparedness, public health, and urban resilience. As cities face the dual challenges of climate change and population growth, such initiatives are vital for building cleaner, safer, and more livable urban spaces across India.
